Officials Back Tough Animal Cruelty Laws

SANFORD — Tougher new animal cruelty laws are being applauded by Seminole County officials who investigate cruelty cases.

It is now a third-degree felony, rather than a misdemeanor, to torture an animal. The crime carries up to a $10,000 fine and five years in jail.

''This is great. We've been wanting it to be a felony for a long time,'' said Carol Woodward, cruelty investigator for the Humane Society of Seminole County.

''Maybe someone will think about it,'' she said.

Ron LeFebvre, director of Seminole County animal control, believes lawmakers have realized the severity and consequences of animal abuse. Someone cruel to animals often turns out to be cruel to children too, he said.

''They're starting to treat them for the crimes they are,'' he said.

The changes went into effect Oct. 1. The misdemeanor charge carried only up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.